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Opinion: Can Congress break gridlock?

It appears that we will continue to be locked in gridlock. During high-turnout presidential elections, Democrats have better results. In off-year elections with lower voter turnout, Republicans do very well. Both parties seem unable to win the presidency and majorities in Congress at the same time.

While this pattern guarantees divided government, it does not have to result in a total lack of action. Breaking this stalemate requires willingness for reasonable compromise, which neither party has shown in recent years. Unless leaders in both parties think and act in the country's best interests, instead of what is best for their short-term political futures, we will continue to avoid solving significant problems, and the next two years will look just like the last four.